30 Years of Challenging Conditions and History: The 2026 Sintra Bodyboard Pro Fest Returns to Praia Grande
It’s been three decades since the first horn blew at Praia Grande, and the Sintra Bodyboard Pro Fest is still setting the gold standard. Celebrating its monumental 30th anniversary (established in 1995), the longest-running event on the IBC Bodyboarding World Tour returns to the Portuguese coast from September 1st to 6th, 2026.
Organized by the Sintra Coast Bodyboarding and Surf Association in partnership with the Sintra City Council, this event brings together the world's elite riders for a high-stakes competition where raw power, deep wave knowledge, and progressive creativity are put to the ultimate test.
The Wave: Praia Grande Ask anyone on tour, Praia Grande is one of Europe's most respected beach breaks. Known for its punchy, pure sand-bottom A-frames, the lineup offers high-quality lefts and rights that demand total commitment. When a solid Northwest (NW) swell meets the crisp East (E) offshore winds, Praia Grande turns on, delivering the perfect, clean ramps needed for next-level aerial maneuvers and world-class tube riding.
A Historic Milestone for Women’s Bodyboarding This 30th edition isn't just about celebrating the past; it's about pushing the sport into the future. The 2026 event will feature the Women Prime Series with a massive $30,000 USD prize purse. This marks the largest prize money for the women’s category in the history of the IBC World Tour and the sport of bodyboarding as a whole. The Men Rising Series will share the exact same stage and stakes, also competing for a $30,000 USD prize purse.
The Scale and the Vibe Over 150 athletes representing more than 25 countries will paddle out to battle for crucial world ranking points. Across six days of intense competition, the event is expected to draw over 30,000 daily spectators, combining the energy of the crowd on the sand with a massive global audience tuning in via the worldwide live broadcast. Beyond the heats, Sintra Pro Fest is a celebration of ocean culture, community, and the global bodyboard family.
Official Event Schedule
- August 29 - 31: Athlete arrivals and freesurf.
- August 31: Official Registration.
- September 1: Official Opening Ceremony and start of the competition.
- September 1 - 6: Competition days (Men Rising Series & Women Prime Series).
- September 6: Finals Day and Awards Ceremony.
Media & Press Information For journalists, photographers, and media outlets looking to cover the action from the sand, the on-site Press Office will be located at the main event stage, operating daily from 08:00 to 18:00.
- Accreditations: Requests must be submitted by September 1, 2026.
- Resources: High-resolution photos, videos, daily results, press releases, and event logos are available upon request.
- Interviews: Direct access to athletes and event organizers can be arranged by appointment.
- Contact: Carlos Mariano, Media Manager | Email: mediasintrapro@gmail.com
